If you were to meet a typical character from a blues song he would most likely be down on his luck, having trouble with his unfaithful woman and no doubt drowning his sorrows with whisky. Read more about the Blues

Mr Johnson and The Devil
Robert Johnson, King of the Delta Blues singers, was an average bluesman until, as legend records, he sold his soul to the Devil at a crossroads. Johnson later dies in mysterious circumstances. A Blues legend is born. Clapton breaks into the bluesHot young British guitarist Eric Clapton joins John Mayall's band to record the seminal Bluesbreakers album, released in 1966- shortly afterwards 'Clapton is God' graffiti appears across London and a guitar legend is born. Leadbelly
A legend of the Blues, Huddie William Ledbetter - or Leadbelly - was discovered in the 1930s while in prison by folk researcher John Lomax. In many ways an early Blues celebrity, inspired a generation of post-war Bluesmen. Regal performanceBB King releases "Live at the Regal", recorded at the legendary Chicago Theatre, in 1964. A seminal live performance of the Blues, widely regarded as one of the best ever. Enter the Stones
In 1962 The Rolling Stones start gigging around London, incorporating their love of Blues with Rock 'n' Roll. The Blues, and Rock, will rarely be more commercially successful.

Key blues songwriters

Stevie Ray VaughanStevie Ray Vaughan took the Blues and, with his vigorous guitar-style, added a health splash of Rock 'n' Roll with songs like "Texas Flood", "Pride And Joy", and "This House Is Rockin'" before his untimely death.

Howlin' Wolf
DJ-turned-Bluesman, Howlin' Wolf was also a consumate entertainer, singing self-penned tunes such as "I Asked for Water (She Gave Me Gasoline)", "Moanin' At Midnight" and "Worried About My Baby". A blues one-off.

Muddy Waters
Learning his trade in the heart of Bluesland - the Mississippi Delta - Muddy Waters moved to Chicago where his music, tracks like "I Can't Be Satisfied", "Rollin' And Tumblin' Pt.1", and "Baby, Please Don't Go", became synonymous with the Windy City.